WHAT IS THE FESTIVAL OF TREES?

Festival of Trees is the largest annual special event fundraiser for Children's Hospital of Michigan. Since its inception in 1985, this volunteer effort has attracted more than 500,000 visitors from all over Michigan, Ohio, and Canada.

WHO IS THE BENEFICIARY OF FESTIVAL OF TREES?

Children's Hospital of Michigan is the only beneficiary of the funds raised by Festival of Trees. Established in 1985 to generate funds received from the Festival, the Evergreen Endowment provides financial support for pediatric research. Today, more than $8.5 million is in the Evergreen Endowment.

MISSION AND VISION

Festival of Trees, an annual benefit for Children's Hospital of Michigan, is a special event for the community, coordinated through volunteer efforts and dedicated to funding research into the causes and cures of childhood diseases. It bonds volunteers, the hospital and the community in providing revenue for Children's Hospital of Michigan's EVERGREEN ENDOWMENT FUND. The Volunteers are dedicated to maintaining the continued growth, scope and integrity of Festival of Trees.

The 501st Legion of Stormtroopers/Midwest Garrison/Michigan Squad

Members of the Michigan chapter of the 501st got together and designed a tree for this event. Not only did they design and decorate a tree, they also appeared in costume in support of the tree. The tree went to a home where it could be appreciated, and the funds from the sale went to the Children's Hospital. Michigan plans to decorate another tree for the event in 2005.

Many people contributed to this project: Jay Shimko, Roger Rehman, Dan Provost, Jon Redman, Rome Ohuni, Barry and Belinda Hodge, Chris and Carolyn Brown, Cheri Plevik, Jon and Susie Leopold. Many others donated time, money, and action figures for this.

The following photos document the day when the tree was assembled in the Convention Center. The tree was originally placed along the wall in a slightly out-of-the-way area. Once staff realized how many lights were on the MI tree, it was moved to the center island. This was rare, as those spots were usually reserved for trees from more established organizations.